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This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of Quercetagetin (QG) on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and cecal microbiota of broilers. Two hundred and forty 21-day-old WOD168 broilers with similar body weights were randomly divided into five groups of six replicates each with eight chickens. The control group was fed a basal diet composed of corn and soybean meal, while the experimental groups received basal diets supplemented with 0, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg QG, along with intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg body weight Diquat (DQ). The experiment lasted for 21 days. The results showed that: (1) QG significantly alleviated the decrease in average daily feed intake and average daily gain induced by Diquat, reduced the elevation of serum ACTH content, and significantly increased GH content (P < 0.05); (2) QG supplementation significantly mitigated the decrease in serum CAT activity and duodenal GSH-Px activity induced by Diquat (P < 0.05), as well as the increase in MDA content (P < 0.05); additionally, QG significantly increased the gene expression levels of GSH-Px, Nrf2 , and Keap1 (P < 0.05); (3) Alpha and Beta diversity analysis revealed that QG supplementation significantly increased the cecal microbial OTUs and Chao1 index of broilers (P < 0.05). At the phylum level, compared with the Diquat group, the LQG group significantly decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes (P < 0.05) and significantly increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidota (P < 0.05). At the genus level, compared with the CON group, the Diquat group significantly decreased the abundance of Lactobacillus and Alistipes (P < 0.05), while QG supplementation significantly alleviated the decrease in the abundance of Lactobacillus and Alistipes (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of an appropriate amount (20 mg/kg) of QG to the diet can promote the growth of broilers, enhance antioxidant capacity, and improve intestinal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have examined the N kinetics of individual feeds with stable isotope tracing. We hypothesized that N partitioning to milk and excreta pools as well as the rates of the processes that drive this partitioning would differ for alfalfa silage, corn silage, corn grain, and soybean meal. Feed ingredients were endogenously labeled with 15N and included in 4 diets to create treatments with the same dietary composition and different labeled feed. Diets were fed to 12 late-lactation dairy cows for 4 d (96 h) and feces, urine, and milk collection proceeded during the 4 d of 15N enrichment and for 3 d (80 h) after cessation of label feeding. Nonlinear models of 15N enrichment and decay were fit to milk (MN), urine (UN), and fecal N (FN) in R with the nlme package, and feed-specific parameter estimates were compared. The estimated proportions of feed N that were excreted in feces supported our understanding that N from soybean meal and corn grain is more digestible than N from alfalfa and corn silage. Estimates for the N partitioning between milk and urine from the 2 concentrate feeds (soybean meal and corn grain) indicated that UN/MN ratios were less than or equal to 1:1, indicating either more or equal nitrogen partitioning to milk compared with urine. It is important to maintain factual accuracy in representing the results rather than implying a desired outcome unsupported by the data. In contrast, UN/MN ratios for forage feeds (corn and alfalfa silage) were >1:1, indicating more N partitioning to urine than milk. The modeled proportion of total FN that originated from feed N was 82.2%, which is in line with previous research using a similar 15N measurement timeframe. However, the proportion of urinary and MN originating from feed N was much lower (60.5% for urine, 57.9% for milk), suggesting that approximately 40% of urinary and MN directly originate from body N sources related to protein turnover. The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Before adding feed ingredients to cattle feed, their quality can be improved by microwaving them. It is unknown, therefore, if feed components should be combined or microwaved separately before being added to concentrates for cattle feed. The current study examined the effects of partial and complete microwaving on the nutritional composition, physicochemical characteristics, and in vitro digestibility of high starch components. Cassava was microwave-irradiated prior to being mixed with additional components (35% of formulation). A blend of microwave-cooked cassava and corn meal (45% of formulation) and a combination of all solid components (96% of formulation) were also compared. A feed made only of non-microwaved components served as the control. Our findings indicate microwave processing of some or all of the solid starch ingredients improved the approximate chemical composition, physicochemical properties in aspects to enhance enzymatic digestion, and in vitro pepsin-cellulase digestibility of ruminant. However, pretreating cassava alone did not yield as good results as pretreating all solid components or cassava plus maize meal. These results suggest that a pretreatment might be included in the feed manufacturing process by adding a combination of ingredients to the feedstock prior to microwave processing. Microwaving has been used to qualitatively improve feed ingredients prior to including them in cattle feed. However, it is not known whether feed ingredients should be microwaved separately or in a mixture before being included in cattle feed concentrates. In the current study, the effects of the partial and full microwaving of high starch ingredients were investigated regarding their impact on the nutritional composition, physicochemical properties, and in vitro digestibility of feed concentrates. The cassava was microwave-irradiated before being mixed with other ingredients (MC, 35% of formulation). A microwave-cooked cassava–corn meal mixture (MCC, 45% of formulation) and a combination of all solid components (MSI, 96% of formulation) were also compared. A feed containing non-microwaved ingredients was formulated and served as the control (NM). Significantly altered proximate compositions and nutritive profiles were observed in all the microwaved components (p < 0.05). The observed modifications in pHs, water absorption capacities, thermal properties (differential scanning calorimetry), diffraction patterns (X-ray diffractometry), and microstructures (scanning electron microscopy) indicated enhanced enzymatic hydrolysis in vitro. A higher cellulase organic matter solubility and digestible organic matter were observed in the MCC and MSIs feeds relative to the control NM (p < 0.05). These findings indicate a combination of components could be added to feedstock before it is microwave processed to potentially include this pretreatment in the feed production process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global prevalence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and zearalenone (ZEN) contamination in food and feed poses a serious health risk to humans and animals. Recently, enzymatic detoxification has received increasing attention, yet most enzymes are limited to degrading only one type of mycotoxin, and free enzymes often exhibit reduced stability and activity, limiting their practicality in real-world applications. In this study, the laccase CotA gene from ZEN/AFB1-degrading Bacillus subtilis ZJ-2019-1 was cloned and successfully expressed in Escherichia coli BL21, achieving a protein yield of 7.0 mg/g. The recombinant CotA (rCotA) completely degraded AFB1 and ZEN, with optimal activity at 70 °C and pH 7.0. After rCotA treatment, neither AFB1 nor ZEN showed significantly cytotoxicity to mouse macrophage cell lines. Additionally, the AFB1/ZEN degradation efficiency of rCotA was significantly enhanced by five natural redox mediators: acetosyringone, syringaldehyde, vanillin, matrine, and sophoridin. Among them, the acetosyringone-rCotA was the most effective mediator system, which could completely degrade 10 μg of AFB1 and ZEN within 1 h. Furthermore, the chitosan-immobilized rCotA system exhibited higher degradation activity than free rCotA. The immobilized rCotA degraded 27.95% of ZEN and 41.37% of AFB1 in contaminated maize meal within 12 h, and it still maintained more than 40% activity after 12 reuse cycles. These results suggest that media-assisted or immobilized enzyme systems not only boost degradation efficiency but also demonstrate remarkable reusability, offering promising strategies to enhance the degradation efficiency of rCotA for mycotoxin detoxification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South African Competition Act was crafted on the basis that it could be used to address distortions and inequalities in the market through enforcing competition. A question which has arisen is whether competition enforcement has been effective given that many economic sectors are still largely dominated by monopolies, duopolies or oligopolies. In this study, I assess whether competition enforcement has reduced inequality in South Africa by studying the link between market power and inequality, following a competition intervention in selected product markets. Using the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag model, I assess whether competition enforcement in the market for bread, maize meal, and sunflower oil, has been effective in increasing consumer welfare, by lowering income inequality through lower prices. The findings of this study suggest that firms in these markets abuse their market power even post-intervention, such that they can raise prices and reduce consumer welfare, increasing inequality indirectly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of 2 dietary microbial additives on productive performance and feed efficiency when supplemented to diets of Holstein cows. One hundred seventeen Holstein cows were enrolled at 61 d (31–87 d) postpartum in a randomized complete block design experiment. Cows were blocked by parity group, as nulliparous or multiparous cows and, within parity, by pretreatment ECM yield. Within block, cows were randomly assigned to one of 3 treatments administered as top-dress for 140 d. Treatments consisted of either 100 g of corn meal containing no microbial additive (CON; 15 primiparous and 25 multiparous), 100 g of corn meal containing 5 g of a mixture of Clostridium beijerinckii and Pichia kudriavzevii (G1; 4 × 107 cfu of C. beijerinckii and 1 × 109 cfu of P. kudriavzevii ; 14 primiparous and 24 multiparous), or 100 g of corn meal containing 5 g of a mixture of C. beijerinckii , P. kudriavzevii , Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens , and Ruminococcus bovis (G2; 4 × 107 cfu of C. beijerinckii, 1 × 109 cfu of P. kudriavzevii, 1 × 108 cfu of B. fibrisolvens , and 1 × 108 cfu of R. bovis ; 15 primiparous and 24 multiparous). Intake of DM, milk yield, and BW were measured daily, whereas milk composition was analyzed at each milking 2 d a week, and body condition was scored twice weekly. Milk samples were collected on d 60 and 62 in the experiment and analyzed for individual fatty acids. The data were analyzed with mixed-effects models with orthogonal contrast to determine the effect of microbial additive (MA; CON vs. 1/2 G1 + 1/2 G2) and type of microbial additive (TMA; G1 vs. G2). Results are described in sequence as CON, G1, and G2. Intake of DM (22.2 vs. 22.4 vs. 22.4 kg/d), BW (685 vs. 685 vs. 685 kg) and the daily BW change (0.40 vs. 0.39 vs. 0.39 kg/d) did not differ among treatments; however, feeding MA tended to increase BCS (3.28 vs. 3.33 vs. 3.36). Supplementing MA increased yields of milk (39.9 vs. 41.3 vs. 41.5 kg/d), ECM (37.9 vs. 39.3 vs. 39.9 kg/d), fat (1.31 vs. 1.37 vs. 1.40 kg/d), TS (4.59 vs. 4.75 vs. 4.79 kg/d), and ECM per kg of DMI (1.72 vs. 1.76 vs. 1.80 kg/kg). Furthermore, cows fed MA increased yields of preformed fatty acids in milk fat (>16C; 435 vs. 463 vs. 488 g/d), particularly UFA (367 vs. 387 vs. 410 g/d), such as linoleic (C18:2 cis -9, cis -12; 30.9 vs. 33.5 vs. 35.4 g/d) and α-linolenic acids (C18:3 cis -9, cis -12, cis -15; 2.46 vs. 2.68 vs. 2.82 g/d) on d 60 and 62 in the experiment. Collectively, supplementing G1 and G2 improved productive performance of cows with no differences between the 2 MA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Africa produces high-quality maize, yet food insecurity and malnutrition are prevalent. Maize is a staple for most South Africans and is often eaten as pap, gruel cooked from maize meal (corn flour) and water without diet diversification. Considering the reliance on maize in low-income communities, could nixtamalised maize products be developed that are nutritious, homemade and consumer-acceptable? Nixtamalisation could offer a solution. However, its acceptability and nutritional benefits remain in question. We aimed to develop a product using consumer-led methods. Consumer panels evaluated and selected products using overall acceptability (9-point hedonic scale), Just-About-Right (JAR) and penalty analysis. Consumer-acceptable nixtamalised chutney-flavoured maize chips were moderately liked (7.35) and reached acceptable JAR scores (74.2%). The nixtamalised products were liked and liked very much (56%), 61% of panel members agreed and strongly agreed to purchase and prepare, and 50% to consume nixtamalised products. Nutrient analysis of the chutney chips showed high energy (2302 kJ/100 g) and total fats (23.72), of which saturated fats were 11.47%. Total fibre (17.19 g/100 g), protein (6.64 g/100 g), calcium (163.3) and magnesium (53.67 g/100 g) were promising, while high phosphorous (566.00 mg/100 g) may indicate anti-nutrients present. Nixtamalisation can alleviate food insecurity and malnutrition in countries such as South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, water samples were collected from four locations: a well, a tap, the Kharazi Valley, and the Tigris River. Samples were taken over three months--February, March, and April--and the following measurements were recorded: pH, TDS (Total dissolved solids), and temperature. The temperature of each water sample, measured during collection, ranged between 16°C and 25°C. The pH ranged from 7.3 to 8.8, while TDS reached the highest value in the river sample at 830, and for the other samples, a range between 221 and 360 was recorded. The samples were then inoculated on corn meal agar (CMA). In February, Penicillium spp. was the most prominent fungus, appearing in 62% of samples. In March, the yeast Candida spp. was the most common at 36%, and in April, Candida spp. remained prevalent, followed by Penicillium spp. at 26%, Fusarium spp. at 24%, and Aspergillus flavus, which appeared in samples collected from the Kharazi Valley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize gluten meal (MGM) is a by-product of maize starch and ethanol, produced by the wet milling process. Its high protein content makes it a preferred ingredient in feed. Given the high prevalence of mycotoxins in maize globally, they pose a significant challenge to use of MGM for feed: wet milling could concentrate certain mycotoxins in gluten components, and mycotoxin consumption affects animal health and can contaminate animal-source foods. To help confront this issue, this paper summarizes mycotoxin occurrence in maize, distribution during MGM production and mycotoxin risk management strategies for MGM through a comprehensive literature review. Available data emphasize the importance of mycotoxin control in MGM and the necessity of a systematic control approach, which includes: good agriculture practices (GAP) in the context of climate change, degradation of mycotoxin during MGM processing with SO2 and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and the prospect of removing or detoxifying mycotoxins using emerging technologies. In the absence of mycotoxin contamination, MGM represents a safe and economically critical component of global animal feed. With a holistic risk assessment-based, seed-to-MGM-feed systematic approach to reducing and decontaminating mycotoxins in maize, costs and negative health impacts associated with MGM use in feed can be effectively reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to study the effects of lactic acid bacteria, cellulase, and cornmeal on the sensory quality, nutritional components, and fermentation quality of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) silage, providing a reference for optimizing the ensiling of elephant grass. Using elephant grass as experimental material, control group (group CK), lactic acid bacteria group (group A), cellulase group (group B), corn meal group (group C), lactic acid bacteria + cellulase group (group D), lactic acid bacteria + corn meal group (group E), cellulase + corn meal group (group F) and lactic acid bacteria + cellulase + corn meal group (group G) were set up, with three replicates in each group. After 30 days of silage fermentation, the sensory, nutrient composition and fermentation quality of elephant grass silage were detected by sampling. The results showed that compared with the control group, the mixed addition group (group D, group E, group F, group G) and the separate addition group (group A, group B, group C) had obvious silage acid flavor and bright yellow color, which could be rated as grade 1 excellent. Compared with the control group, the dry matter content of elephant grass silage in all treatment groups was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the dry matter content in group G was the highest. Crude protein content in group G was significantly increased (P<0.05). Except for group A and group C, the neutral detergent fiber content of elephant grass silage in other treatment groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The content of acid detergent fiber in elephant grass silage in group F and group G was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Soluble carbohydrate content and relative feeding value of elephant grass silage in all treatment groups were significantly increased (P<0.05). The pH of elephant grass silage in all treatment groups was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05), the lactic acid content was higher than that in control group (P<0.05), the acetic acid content in elephant grass silage in group E, group F, and group G was higher than that in control group (P<0.05), and no propionic acid and butyric acid were detected in all groups. The aerobic stability of elephant grass silage in all treatment groups was higher than that in control group (P<0.05), with the mixed addition groups showing higher stability than the single addition groups (P<0.05), and group G significantly outperformed the other treatment groups (P<0.05). The results showed that adding lactic acid bacteria, cellulase, corn meal and different combinations of these substances in the silage process could improve the sensory, nutritional value and fermentation quality of elephant grass silage to varying degrees, and the effect of lactic acid bacteria + cellulase + corn meal group was the best. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-two (32) TN70 (Topigs Norsvin) weaned pigs, aged 7 weeks, having an average weight of 10.5±0.5 kg were used to evaluate the effect of corn and cob meal (CCM) on the carcass parameters, organ weight, villi morphometric, and organoleptic properties of the pigs. CCM was produced by grinding the grain and the cob together. The pigs were acclimatized for seven days before they were randomly allotted to four (4) dietary treatments with eight (8) pigs per replicate in a completely randomized design. The experiment lasted for seven weeks. The feed had 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% corn and cob meal (CCM) in the diets tagged as D1, D2, D3, and D4 respectively. All the data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 and the means were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Except for the eviscerated weight, back fat, and loin, all the carcass parameters were significantly influenced (P<0.05). The weight of the visceral organs was significantly influenced (P<0.05) except for the weight of the lungs. All the villi morphometric parameters differed significantly (P<0.05) except the crypt width. CCM influenced (P<0.05) the colour, tenderness, juiciness, and overall acceptability of the meat. The use of 30% CCM stimulated pancreas hypertrophy, increased carcass weight, belly, ham, picnic shoulder, villi height, muscle thickness, and improved organoleptic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to develop new feed resources, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of moisture content, additives, and their interactions on the fermentation quality, aerobic stability, and in vitro digestibility of mixed silage of amaranth and cornmeal. The mass ratios of amaranth and cornmeal were 69:31, 76:24, and 84:16 for adjusting the moisture content of silage to 60% (W1), 65% (W2), and 70% (W3), respectively. The silage treatments included no additives (U), the addition of Lactobacillus plantarum (L), the addition of cellulase (E), and the addition of Lactobacillus plantarum + cellulase (M) mixed reagents. The results revealed that the pH and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N/TN) ratios were significantly lower in W1 than in W2 and W3 (3.66,19.3 g kg−1 TN vs. 3.70, 3.70, 20.0 kg−1 TN, 25.1 kg−1 TN, p < 0.05). Moreover, dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), in vitro dry matter digestibility (ivDMD), in vitro organic matter digestibility (ivOMD), and in vitro crude protein digestibility (ivCPD) significantly increased (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the aerobic stability of mixed silage containing amaranth and cornmeal decreased with increasing water content. The aerobic stability of the L, E, and M treatment groups was improved by 15, 105, and 111 h, respectively, compared with that of the control group at W1. The pH and NH3-N/TN ratios were lower with the addition of E (E and M) than with the absence of E (U and L) (3.73, 20.1 g kg−1 DM vs. 3.64, 22.9 g kg−1 DM, p < 0.05). NDF and ADF were significantly lower with the addition of E than without the addition of E (598 g kg−1 DM, 145 g kg−1 DM vs. 632 g kg−1 DM, 160 g kg−1 DM, p < 0.05). However, CP, ivDMD, ivOMD, and ivCPD were significantly higher (p < 0.05). AA and NH3-N/TN were significantly lower (p < 0.05) with the addition of L (L and M) than without the addition of L (U and E). In conclusion, the best fermentation quality, in vitro digestibility, and aerobic stability of amaranth and cornmeal mixed silage treated with Lactobacillus plantarum + cellulase (M) were achieved at 60% water content. The present study confirmed the potential of amaranth as silage and its potential application for improving feed quality and animal performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to optimize the process of elaborating liver pâtés and omental lamb fat and to evaluate the quality of the products. Livers and fats were obtained from lambs fed with diets composed of corn and soybean meal that were partially replaced by cupuaçu, tucumã and palm kernel cake. To prepare the pâtés, livers were baked for 20 minutes at 100°C, weighed, seasoned, crushed, packaged and pasteurized. The best formulation of the pâté was with 40% liver, 10% fat, 35% water, and pasteurized for 20 minutes at 65°C. The pâté from the livers of lambs fed with palm kernel cake obtained a higher caloric value of 193.05 kcal/100 g and all pâtés met the recommended microbiological quality. There was a significant effect (p< 0.05) of the diets on the aroma and texture of the liver pâtés of lambs fed corn and soybean meal and palm kernel cake, and these were 6.38 and 3.37, respectively. Thus, the pâtés can be considered an alternative to increase the options for consumption of liver from lambs, and also for adding commercial value to lamb viscera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sponge-associated marine fungi are potential source for secondary metabolite compounds. The aim of this research was to investigate sponge-associated marine fungus as secondary metabolite producers against Escherichia coli. The fungus was isolated from Indonesian marine sponge Stylissa sp. and identified as Aspergillus hortai through a combination of morphological and molecular characteristics of ITS DNA and β-tubulin genes. The fungus was tested against E. coli using fungal broth and mycelial extracts. The optimized condition was achieved by fungal broth grown in corn meal broth at 6-days of shaking incubation. Fungal extract was produced using three liters of filtered fungal broth and extracted in ethyl acetate. The antibiotic activity of the extract is vulnerable to 45°C heat and basic or acidic conditions. Therefore, the extraction was done at pH 7 with evaporation at 40°C. The extract shows 7 major bands on TLC with 1 band shows activity against E. coli (Rf 0.81) on bioautogram. The band was observed as a yellow color and turned black in short-wave UV and did not show any fluorescence in long-wave UV. This research shows that sponge- associated marine fungi obtained from Indonesia has the potential as anti E. coli worth to be explored for searching new antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain mixes varying in proportions of wheat grain, barley grain, canola meal, and corn grain were fed to grazing dairy cows in early lactation to determine the contribution of canola meal and corn grain to milk yield, BW, BCS, eating behavior, and blood serum metabolite concentrations. The experiment used 80 multiparous, seasonally calving Holstein-Friesian dairy cows during the first 100 d of lactation, the treatment period, and over the subsequent carryover period of 100 d, during which all cows were fed a common diet. Cows were divided into 4 cohorts (blocks) based on calving date and within each cohort, 5 cows were randomly allocated to each of the 4 treatments. Dietary treatments included disc-milled grain mixes comprising (on a DM basis) (1) a control treatment of wheat (25%) and barley (75%); (2) wheat (25%), barley (50%), and canola meal (25%); (3) wheat (25%), barley (50%), and corn (25%), and (4) wheat (25%), barley (25%), canola meal (25%), and corn (25%). Treatment diets were introduced at 19 DIM ± 4.7 d, which included a 7-d adaptation period and were applied up until 100 DIM. Each grain mix was fed at 9 kg of DM/cow per day, offered twice daily, in equal proportions in the parlor at milking times. In addition to the grain mix, all cows grazed perennial ryegrass pasture at a daily allowance of ∼35 kg of DM/cow per day (measured to ground level). Results were analyzed in terms of corn and canola presence or absence in the diet. Including canola meal in grain mixes increased grain intake and pasture intake by 0.6 and 2.1 kg of DM/cow per day, respectively, resulting in an increased milk yield of 2.6 kg/cow per day during the first 100 d of lactation. Including canola meal also increased yields of milk fat and protein, and concentrations of milk fat, as well as increasing mean BW and BCS over the 100 d. The inclusion of canola meal in the grain mixes also resulted in greater blood serum BHB and urea concentrations, compared with feeding grain mixes that did not contain canola meal. The inclusion of corn grain provided no milk production benefits and did not change BW, BCS, or any feeding behavior variables. There were no carryover effects on milk production from either canola meal or corn grain after the treatment period. In summary, the results demonstrate that the provision of canola meal in grain mixes can improve milk production and increase mean BCS. Further, there are no benefits to milk yield when a proportion of barley is substituted for corn, in a wheat and barley grain mix fed to grazing dairy cows in early lactation. However, these results are dependent on the level of inclusion and the feeding system employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution and diversity of Drosophila species across six sites in the rolling terrain between Assam and Meghalaya, employing trap-bait and net sweeping methods throughout the year. Using corn meal and Musa balbisiana (Wild yeast mediated) as culture media, flies were collected and analyzed for abundance, richness, and diversity using Simpson, Shannon-Wiener, and Berger-Parker indices. In Baridua, Drosophila melanogaster was predominant with 968 individuals on corn meal and a richer community of 2,536 on Musa balbisiana. Tura had 844 individuals on corn meal dominated by D. melanogaster, D. elegans, D. repleta and D. sechellia while, Musa balbisiana recorded 851 individuals with D. melanogaster being dominant, alongside D. suzukii, D. sechellia, D. busckii and D. pseudoobscura. Kharkutta showed 717 individuals on corn meal predominantly D. melanogaster and D. subobscura while 949 individuals recorded in Musa balbisiana dominated by D. melanogaster, D. nasuta, D. pseudoobscura, D. subobscura and D. immigrans. Rangjuli recorded 902 individuals on corn meal with D. melanogaster, D. yakuba and D. repleta as dominant species while 1,746 individuals recorded on Musa balbisiana with D. melanogaster, D. suzukii, D. simulans and D. repleta being dominant. Dudhnoi had 825 individuals on corn meal with D. melanogaster as dominant, along with D. suzukii, D. busckii, while 2,104 individuals recorded on Musa balbisiana dominated by D. melanogaster, D. mauritiana, D. immigrans. Langpih showed 566 individuals on corn meal with D. melanogaster, D. mauritiana and D. immigrans being dominant while 834 individuals recorded on Musa balbisiana dominated by D. melanogaster, D. immigrans, D. bipectinata, D. repleta and D. suzukii. It has been found that wild yeast media significantly increased Drosophila diversity compared to corn meal. Future research should explore species genetic analysis, seasonal variations, climate change effects, genetic diversity, habitat influences, human activity impacts, and ecological interactions for effective conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Zulu African populations are the largest ethnic group (77.8%) in South Africa living predominantly in the KwaZulu-Natal province. Indigenous foods consumed by them includes: jeqe(steamed bread), samp and beans, phutu porridge (maize meal), amasi or magau (fermented cow's milk), amadumbe(root crop similar to sweet potato) and imifino(wild edible greens including morogo or spinach leaves). Aim: The study aims to determine by self-reported food intake questionnaires the indigenous food dietary intake patterns and diversity among adults residing within KwaZulu-Natal. Materials and Methods: Participants were conveniently sampled with door-to-door visits within the rural Umzinyathi district of KwaZulu-Natal. Trained fieldworkers administered 24 hour recall to determine dietary diversity and dietary patterns (per consumption of 12 food groups). Results and Discussion: The study sample (N=150) were predominantly female (83.3%). Primary food group consumption indicated dietary pattern intake of mainly cereals(97.3%), sweets(94.6%), miscellaneous items(93.3%) and oils and fats(81.3%). 70% of participants reported daily vegetable consumption, followed by an intake of flesh and organ meats(40%) and fruit(36.6%). Dietary patterns indicated 56.6% consumed 4-6 different food groups, while 14.6% participants consumed 10-12 food groups. Indigenous food consumption included ujeqe, samp, organ meats and indigenous vegetables like amadumbe tubers and amaranth. Conclusion: According to the self-reported food intake questionnaire the dietary pattern intake of this rural community indicates a lack of dietary diversity from limited food intake and availability within the area focusing on specific indigenous foods. Food education can help vegetable gardens to include more diverse, healthy indigenous food groups with health benefits to incorporate into recipes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inclusion effect of different amount of jack mackerel meal (JMM) in the diets substituting 50% fish meal (FM) with corn gluten meal (CGM) on growth, feed availability, biochemical composition, plasma, and serum chemistry of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) was elucidated. Seven experimental diets were formulated. The control (Con) diet contained 60% FM. Fifty percent of FM in the Con diet was substituted with CGM, and then 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% JMM were added at the expense of FM to formulate the CJ5, CJ10, CJ20, CJ30, CJ40, and CJ50 diets, respectively. All formulated feeds were assigned to triplicate groups of fish. A total of 420 juvenile fish averaging 18 ± 0.01 g (mean ± SEM) was uniformly divided into 21, 50-L tanks, with 20 fish per tank. Fish were carefully hand-fed to satiation for 8 weeks. The weight gain of olive flounder fed the Con diet was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than that of fish fed the CJ5, CJ10, and CJ20 diets, but not significantly (p > 0.05) different from that of fish fed the CJ30, CJ40, and CJ50 diets. Olive flounder fed the Con diet achieved significantly (p < 0.001 and p < 0.04) greater specific growth rates (SGR) and feed consumption than those of fish fed the CJ5 and CJ10 diets, but not significantly (p > 0.05) different from those of fish fed the CJ20, CJ30, CJ40, and CJ50 diets. However, there were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in feed utilization, proximate composition, amino acid profiles, and plasma and serum parameters of olive flounder. In conclusion, incorporation of 30, and 20% JMM are the most desirable treatments in the olive flounder diets replacing 50% FM with CGM based on weight gain, and SGR and feed consumption, respectively. This study will be very helpful to develop low-FM diets for sustainable olive flounder culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the second most common birth defects in humans and are associated with high rates of neonatal mortality, morbidity, disability, psychological and economic costs. Roughly 200,000 neonates are born with NTDs in low- and middle-income countries. To reduce the risks associated with NTDs, pregnant women are recommended to supplement their diets with folate tablets or to consume foods fortified with folic acid. Despite the introduction of a mandatory fortification program of maize meal with folic acid, in Zimbabwe, there is a paucity of literature about the perceptions of individuals towards fortified foods, as well as the storage and processing practices of fortified maize meal. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, as well as, storage and processing practices of folic acidfortified maize meal in urban poor women. Data on knowledge and practices on fortified maize was gathered using a structured questionnaire from 630 women of childbearing age from low-income suburbs in Kwekwe town, Zimbabwe. The results showed that a paltry 26.3% of the respondents knew about folic acid, 22.5% knew about the effects of folic acid deficiency, 13.8% knew foodstuffs containing folic acid, 4% knew about food fortification and 35.6% had bought and used folic acid fortified maize meal before. Availability and accessibility were the main drivers to purchasing fortified maize meal (90%). There was no significant relationship (p < 0.05) between age and folic acid knowledge as well as between level of education and folic acid knowledge. Furthermore, the result indicates that the households were engaged in poor storage practices of the folic acid fortified maize meal. There was a significant relationship between the level of education and knowledge about food fortification. In conclusion, urban women's knowledge regarding folic acid and fortified maize meal is very low in Zimbabwe and households also store the folic acid fortified maize meal under conditions that speed deterioration of the folic acid. Folic acid awareness campaigns are recommended for people to benefit from the government of Zimbabwe's fortification programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mungbean, a short-duration crop well-suited to dryland conditions, is cultivated in India during both the kharif and rabi/summer seasons. Recent years have witnessed a significant challenge in mungbean seed production due to pod rot caused by Fusarium equiseti and Fusarium chlamydosporum. This study investigates the growth characteristics of these pathogenic fungi under varying nutrient conditions. We evaluated eight different culture media to identify an optimal basal medium for the growth of these pathogens. Our findings indicate that both F. equiseti and F. chlamydosporum exhibited the highest colony growth rates on Potato Dextrose Agar, followed by Czapek's Dox Agar, Richard's Agar, and Corn Meal Agar. Furthermore, the fungi demonstrated varying abilities to utilize different carbon and nitrogen sources. Nutritional analysis revealed that sucrose, as a carbon source, and potassium nitrate, as a nitrogen source, were most effective in promoting the growth of both F. equiseti and F. chlamydosporum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extrusion processing of food powder relies heavily on its moisture content to aid in flow and proper cooking, shaping, and/or puffing. This study focused on the impact of the moisture content on the dynamic flow and shear properties of coarse food powders (corn meal, wheat farina, and granulated sugar). The dynamic flow properties explored were the specific basic flowability energy (SBFE), specific energy, stability index, and flow rate index. The shear properties were the angle of internal friction, unconfined yield strength, major principal stress, wall friction angle, flow factor (FF), and compressibility. Corn meal exhibited an increase in SBFE as the moisture content increased (6.70 mJ/g at 13.13% to 9.14 mJ/g at 19.61%) but no change in FF (4.94 to 5.11); wheat farina also showed an increase in energy requirement as the moisture increased (5.81 mJ/g at 13.73% to 9.47 mJ/g 19.57%) but a marked decrease in FF ratings (18.47 to 6.1); granulated sugar showed a decrease in energy requirements as the moisture increased (51.73 mJ/g at 0.06% moisture content to 13.58 mJ/g at 0.78% moisture content) and a decrease in FF ratings (8.53 to 3.47). Overall, upon the addition of moisture, corn meal became cohesive yet free-flowing; wheat farina became less compressible and more cohesive; and granulated sugar became more cohesive and compressible and less free-flowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of extruded preparations on the bioactive and nutritional properties, vitamin B content, volatile compound profile, and quality of whole wheat bread. Extruded preparations based on stale bread (secondary raw materials) and apple pomace (byproducts) were used as bread additives. It was found that the preparations did not enrich the bread in protein but in health-promoting compounds, especially gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, rutin, quercetin, and B vitamins. Extruded preparations had a positive effect on the quality of the bread produced, such as yield and cohesiveness, and gave it a pleasant aroma. It was shown that among all the examined bread samples with added extruded preparations of stale bread, the cornmeal and apple pomace bread samples with 15% extruded preparation (containing 55% cornmeal, 30% stale bread, and 15% apple pomace) had sufficient nutritional value, the highest amounts of gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, rutin, and quercetin; medium amounts of ellagic acid; high antioxidant activity determined in vitro using four methods (by DPPH, ABTS, power (FRAP), and Fe(II) chelating assays); adequate quality; and significant amounts of vitamins, especially B1, B2, and B3. This type of extruded preparation should utilize apple pomace, which is a byproduct, and stale bread, which is a secondary waste. Such a combination is an excellent low-cost, easy, and prospective solution for the baking industry that could be applied to obtain bread with elevated nutritional value and enhanced health potential, as proven in this publication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research addresses the presence of Elsinoë phaseoli in Kenya, where information on the biology of this pathogen remains scarce. Employing a multifaceted approach, the study demonstrates the steps taken to isolate, identify, and characterize E. phaseoli as the pathogen responsible for scab on common bean. Field observations confirmed scab symptoms, particularly the prominent pod lesions. Elsinoë phaseoli was isolated from common bean using a targeted streaking method on older acervulus‐bearing lesions. Morphological examinations revealed a notable diversity within E. phaseoli colonies, consistent with the characteristics of the genus. Molecular identification through ITS‐rDNA sequencing confirmed isolate AscoSK1 obtained in this study as belonging to E. phaseoli, offering a robust species differentiation method. Assessing conidium production required the implementation of five different culture methods. An adaptation of the Scheper et al. (2013) method yielded the highest quantity of conidia from 25 colonies spaced at 1 cm apart, with a conidial yield of 5.0 × 106 conidia per 9‐cm‐diameter Petri dish. A higher conidial yield was attained after the colonies were pre‐incubated on potato dextrose agar in the dark at room temperature for 28 days, followed by a transfer to corn meal agar for an additional 2 days at 20°C. This emphasizes the pivotal influence of incubation duration and pre‐culture conditions on the process. This research provides insights into the biology of E. phaseoli and introduces an improved method for enhancing in vitro sporulation of the pathogen, setting groundwork for future research and handling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delves into the potential of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with corn gluten meal (CGM) in the diet of Litopaeneaus vannamei. We aimed to investigate the effects of a dietary soybean meal replacement on various aspects of shrimp, including survival, biochemical indices, digestive enzymes, metabolomics, and disease resistance against Vibrio harveyi. To conduct the study, we fed 840 juvenile Pacific shrimp seven different diets, each containing varying levels of CGM. The control group received a diet with 0% CGM; the other diets contained 3%, 5%, 7%, 9%, 12%, and 14% CGM. Each group comprised three replicates, and the shrimp were fed their diets for eight weeks. Our findings revealed that the survival rate of the shrimp ranged from 90.83% to 97.50% and did not differ significantly between the control and those fed diet treatments 2–5. Additionally, there were no significant differences in crude protein, moisture, and lipid content. However, we observed that total antioxidant capacity content increased with the dietary inclusion of CGM. Furthermore, malondialdehyde content decreased with increasing CGM levels, while superoxide dismutase increased, indicating no obvious oxidative damage was observed in CGM treatment groups. Interestingly, shrimp fed diets 2 and 3 had considerably lower alanine aminotransferase activity than shrimp in the control group. The disease resistance in shrimp was improved across all treatment groups, with a notably higher CGM inclusion having the highest level of mortality during the challenge test. Finally, we analyzed the metabolomics data and found PCA score plots clearly separated the control group and shrimp fed CGM diets. Our study revealed that a 3% substitution rate of SBM with CGM can enhance survival and immunity, regulate metabolites and improve disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study looked at how spermatogenesis, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant defense mechanisms, and histological changes in testicular, hepatic, and renal tissues were affected by boric acid (H3BO3) added to mixed feed and drinking water at different concentrations for 14 weeks. For this purpose, 60 male Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica f. domestica) were used. From the age of 35 days, the birds were given boric acid added to regular soybean meal maize mixed feed as well as drinking water. Experimental groups: Control (no additive), F100: 100 mg/kg boric acid into feed, F300: 300 mg/kg boric acid into feed, W100: 100 mg/l boric acid into drinking water, and W300: 300 mg/l boric acid into drinking water. Both primordial (P < 0.001) and mature (P < 0.05) sperm counts increased in F300 and W300 groups. Supplemented boric acid in drinking water (300 mg/l) increased the tubule diameters of the testicle (P < 0.05). Because of the rising levels of boric acid in the feed and water groups, lipid peroxidation levels increased in testicular (P < 0.001), hepatic, and renal tissues (P < 0.01). Glutathione (GSH) levels rose in high boric acid groups in testicular and hepatic tissues (P < 0.001). Different tissues responded differentially to high amounts of boric acid in terms of antioxidant enzyme activity (P < 0.001). As a result, boric acid at high doses showed beneficial effects on spermatological activity; however, continued use caused lipid peroxidation in tissues and some pathological problems in liver tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Enzymatic modification is an effective means of improving the functional properties, digestive properties, and in vitro digestion product physiological activity of proteins, thus significantly expanding protein uses in various food applications. RESULTS: In this study, the addition of chymotrypsin (CT) at pH 9.0 and 11.0 was found to significantly improve the functional properties (solubility, foaming properties, water holding capacity, oil holding capacity, etc.) and digestive properties of extruded corn gluten meal (ECGM). Similar changes were observed when treating ECGM with glutaminase, protein glutaminase, and papain. These changes were likely due to the increase in number of carboxyl groups and the multiple effects of change in protein net charge and conformation caused by enzymatic deamidation. Of note, ECGM deamidated by CT showed the highest degree of deamidation, solubility, and gastrointestinal digestibility at pH 11.0, up to 44.92%, 43.75%, and 82.22%, respectively. In addition, CT‐ECGM digestion product exhibited strong antioxidant activity and potential to promote alcohol metabolism in both a static digestion model and dynamic digestion model, even comparable to commercial corn peptides (CCP), while being inexpensive and of low bitterness compared to CCP. Meanwhile, the physiological activity enhanced as the molecular weight of digestion product decreased with the digested component having strongest activity. CONCLUSION: This study may promote the application of ECGM as a food component in the food industry or even as a substitute for CCP. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high content of water is needed in traditional thermoplastic starch (TPS) processing to plasticize the starch and facilitate the processing, which leads to relatively low strength and modulus of the products and causes the issue of product aging partially due to the gradual water loss over time. In this work, based on the results from our previous study on lignin and cellulose nanofibril-reinforced TPS composites, a low content of citric acid (<0.5 wt%) was used to replace all the added water in the prior study (∼20 wt%). Citric acid demonstrated a much stronger viscosity-reducing effect than water and enabled composite processing at a very low acid content. The resultant nanocomposites exhibited much higher strength and modulus than those containing 20 wt% water as the processing aid. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) results showed strong interactions between the polar groups of starch and other ingredients. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photos indicated the disappearance of the two-phase "sea-island" morphology, suggesting the strong compatibilization effect of the acid. To lower the cost of the nanocomposites, we further replaced the starch and zein (an expensive biopolymer) components in the original composites with low-cost cornmeal. The new nanocomposites with cornmeal as the major ingredient exhibited similar processability and mechanical properties. With its low cost and high properties, this new type of agricultural byproduct-based nanocomposites is expected to be a promising material to replace synthetic polymers in many applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several strategies promote phyllosphere colonization by soil-born Trichoderma plant-beneficial strains. One of these strategies is foliar spraying with suspensions containing large amounts of chlamydospores—spores with thick cell wall structures that make them highly resistant to harsh environmental conditions. Trichoderma biomass was produced by cultivation on a cornmeal medium and compared with the biomass produced on potato dextrose broth by microscopic and thermogravimetric analyses. The analyses revealed increased chlamydospore content and thermostability in the fungal biomass produced on the corn meal medium. The Trichoderma suspension rich in chlamydospores was sprayed on bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) leaves at two inoculant concentrations, 106 and 108 ufc/mL. The effect of these treatments on the plant physiological parameters, leaf photosynthetic pigments, polyphenol and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activities of the leaves and fruits, and yield was compared to the control (plants sprayed with water) and to the experimental treatment involving spraying with 108 ufc/mL of propagules produced in potato dextrose broth. The effect of chlamydospore-rich suspensions on plant physiological parameters was more pronounced and long-lasting compared with the other treatments. The treatment with chlamydospore-rich suspension enhanced the accumulation of polyphenols and flavonoids in the leaves (by 17% and 50%, respectively) and fruits (by 18% and 31%, respectively) and increased the antioxidant activity. The Trichoderma treatment increased the yield by +25.33–53.07%. The application of the foliar treatment with Trichoderma suspensions did not modify the cytocompatibility of the extracts from the fruits determined on the L929 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study evaluated the digestibility of whole mango (Mangifera indica) meal (WMM) and determined the growth performance, intestinal enzyme activity, and metabolic and hematologic responses of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) juveniles fed diets containing different proportions of corn meal (CM) substitution by WMM. Fish fed with graded levels of WMM (0 (control), 80, 160, 240, and 320 g kg diet-1), replacing part of the dietary CM. The apparent digestibility coefficients of WMM were above 96%. Diets with WMM did not affect growth performance or intestinal enzyme activity. However, they showed a positive linear effect on plasma glucose, amino acids, and albumin levels and a negative linear effect on hepatic aspartate aminotransferase activity and hepatic glycogen, plasma cholesterol, and hemoglobin levels. Increased erythrocyte values and decreased plasma triglyceride levels were verified in fish fed 80 and 160 g WMM kg diet-1. In conclusion, the WMM may be a viable alternative to the tambaqui juveniles’ diet, and WMM could replace up to 16% of CM without harming the growth and health of tambaqui juveniles.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of supplementing the diet of high-producing Holstein cows with 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)-butanoate (HMTBa) on their milk production and composition, milk fatty acid profile, blood metabolites, and body parameters. The study was conducted in a commercial dairy herd in Paraná State, Southern Brazil. One hundred and fifty-eight multiparous cows were used in a randomized block design during 42 experimental days. Cows were distributed into two treatments: the control treatment cows received 100 g/cow/day of corn meal, while the HMTBa-supplemented cows received 35 g of HMTBa + 65 g/cow/day of corn meal. HMTBa supplementation did not alter milk production but improved milk fat content. Cows receiving HMTBa supplementation showed an increase in the concentration of milk medium-chain fatty acids. Serum levels of blood urea and aspartate aminotransferase were lower in HMTBa-supplemented cows. Cows supplemented with HMTBa increased their body condition score. In summary, HMTB supplementation in high-producing Holstein cows improved productive performance, particularly increased milk fat content, altered milk fatty acid profile, and changed some blood metabolites. Our findings contribute to our understanding of using a methionine analogue as a dietary strategy for optimizing milk quality in high-producing Holstein cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective was to determine the influence of amino acid (AA) supplementation during the adaptation period on the ileal digestibility of crude protein and AA in corn and soybean meal (SBM) fed to pigs. Methods: Six barrows with an initial body weight of 30.9±2.6 kg fitted with a T-cannula at the distal ileum were assigned to a 6×6 Latin square design with 6 dietary treatments and 6 periods. Two experimental diets contained corn or SBM as the sole AA source and an N-free diet was additionally prepared. For AA supplementation groups, an AA mixture consisted of Gly, Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, Ile, Val, His, and Phe was added to the corn diet and the N-free diet at the expense of cornstarch, and an AA mixture of Lys, Met, and Thr was added to the SBM diet. All diets contained 0.5% of chromic oxide. The 6 experimental diets were fed to the pigs for four and half days, and the 3 diets containing an AA mixture were switched to the respective diets without AA mixture during the following two and half days. Ileal digesta were collected on days 6 and 7. Results: The addition of an AA mixture during the adaptation period increased apparent ileal digestibility of Arg and Trp in corn (p<0.05) but did not affect that in SBM. The addition of an AA mixture during the adaptation period increased apparent ileal digestibility of Pro and Gly regardless of feed ingredient (p<0.05) but did not affect that of other AA. All AA except Pro in corn and SBM were unaffected by the addition of the AA mixture during the adaptation period. Conclusion: The addition of amino acids to a low-protein diet during the adaptation period does not affect the standardized ileal digestibility of indispensable amino acids in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The study investigated the effect of incorporating whole chia seeds (WCS) and defatted chia seed flour (DCF) into whole maize meal for ugali preparation. Both were incorporated at substitution levels of 3%, 6%, and 9% separately, and the resulting treatments subjected to laboratory analysis. In addition, ugali samples were prepared from all the resulting flour formulations and subjected to consumer acceptability assessment. Incorporation of both DCF and WCS resulted in increased water absorption capacity (ranging from 0.78 to 0.98 g/mL), swelling index (ranging from 0.15 to 3.25 mL/g), and swelling capacity (ranging from 2.46 to 5.74 g/g). WCS decreased the bulk density and oil absorption capacity. DCF, however, resulted in an increase in bulk density and oil absorption capacity. Both DCF and WCS lowered the lightness (L*) of the products. Proximate composition ranged from 4.78 to 7.46% for crude fat, 7.22% to 9.16% for crude protein, and 1.74 to 4.27% for crude fiber. The obtained results show the potential of chia seeds as a good fortificant of maize flour since it resulted in nutritionally superior products (crude ash, crude protein, crude fat, and energy value) when compared to control. The freshly prepared ugali samples were generally acceptable to the panelists up to 9% WCS and 6% DCF substitution levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of L-carnitine (LC) supplementation in corn gluten meal (CGM) diets for juvenile hybrid grouper on growth, immunity, lipid metabolism, and metabolomic analysis to discover possible biomarkers and metabolites (UPLC-MS) with the aid of ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. With LC levels of 0, 200, 400, 600, 1200, 1400, and 1600 mg/kg, 630 juvenile hybrid groupers with an initial weight average of 13.7 ± 0 0.09 g were randomly divided into seven groups. These groups were named control group LC0 (FM diets without LC), LC0.2, LC0.4, LC0.6, LC1.2, LC1.4, and LC1.6 respectively. Fish fed LC0.2 diets had higher final weight, weight gain (WG), and condition factor (CF) than the control group after a feeding trial for 56 days. However, they were not substantially different from the control group. Fish fed LC0.2 had the highest values of 368.09% and 1.69 g/cm3 for WG, and CF, respectively. With rising dietary LC levels, antioxidant parameters such as glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the liver substantially increased and then decreased (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), however, were unaffected (P < 0.05). Fish fed the LC0.2 diet had significantly greater pparα mRNA expression compared to fish fed the basal diet (LC0) in terms of gene expression related to lipid metabolism. Bile secretion, ABC transporters, and glycerophospholipid have been identified as the differential metabolites in the distal gut of fish, with an upregulation occurring after feeding with experimental diets. Based on the findings of the current study, we propose that LC level of 200 mg/kg in CGM diets increases fish growth and immunity and regulates hepatic metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The increasing expenses of animal feed, which are affected by the prices of protein and carbohydrates, emphasize the need for alternate sources of protein. Thailand is now doing research on tropical legumes, with a special focus on winged beans. The tubers of winged beans, which are rich in carbohydrates and protein, provide a viable alternative to animal feed. The process of pelletizing winged bean tubers has many benefits, including enhanced durability and prolonged preservation. This makes it a feasible substitute for corn meal in animal feed. The research assesses the replacement of corn meal with winged bean tuber pellets in ruminant diets, examining its impact on ruminal fermentation, gas production, and in vitro degradability. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of replacing corn meal in ruminant diets with winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) tubers (WBT) on ruminal fermentation, gas production parameters, and in vitro degradability. The study employed a completely random design (CRD) in its execution. The experimental design employed was a completely randomized design (CRD), featuring eleven levels of corn meal substitution with winged bean tubers pellet (WBTP) at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%. The levels were grouped into four categories of replacement: control (0% in the diet), low levels (10%, 20%, and 30% in the diet), medium levels (40%, 50%, 60%, and 70% in the diet), and high levels (80%, 90%, and 100% in the diet). The experimental results indicated that substituting corn meal with WBTP at moderate and high levels in the diet could improve the performance of the fermentation process by increasing the gas production rate constant from the insoluble fraction (p < 0.01). The IVDMD exhibited a higher degree of in vitro degradation after 12 h (h), with the mean value being higher in the high group compared to the medium until the high group (p < 0.05). At the 4 h mark, the groups that substituted corn meal with WBTP exhibited a decrease in pH value (p < 0.05) in comparison to the control group. The substitution of corn meal with WBTP resulted in the lowest protozoal count after 8 h in the median group (p < 0.05). A significant difference in the effect of WBTP on total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentration was observed at 8 h after incubation (p < 0.05). The medium and high levels of WBTP replacement resulted in the lowest TVFA concentration at 8 h (p < 0.05). The mean proportion of acetic acid (C2) linearly declined and was lowest when a high level of WBTP replaced cornmeal (p < 0.05). The concentration of propionic acid (C3) at 8 h after incubation and average values were linearly significantly different when various levels of WBTP were utilized. Replacing corn meal with WBTP at a high level showed the highest concentration of C3. Moreover, substituting medium and high concentrations of WBTP for corn meal resulted in a significant reduction in both the C2:C3 ratio at 8 h and the mean value (p < 0.05). In conclusion, WBTP exhibits a nutritional composition that is advantageous and may be an energetic substitute for corn meal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corn germ meal (CGM) is one of the major byproducts of corn starch extraction. Although CGM has rich fiber content, it lacks good protein content and amino acid balance, and therefore cannot be fully utilized as animal feed. In this study, we investigated the processing effect of cellulase synergized with Bacillus velezensis on the nutritional value of pretreated CGM (PCGM) in two-stage solid-state fermentation (SSF). High-throughput sequencing technology was used to explore the dynamic changes in microbial diversity. The results showed that compared with four combinations of B. velezensis + Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (PCGM-BL), cellulase + L. plantarum (PCGM-CL),control group (PCGM-CK), and cellulase + B. velezensis + L. plantarum (PCGM-BCL), the fourth combination of PCGM-BCL significantly improved the nutritional characteristics of PCGM. After two-stage SSF (48 h), viable bacterial count and contents of crude protein (CP) and trichloroacetic acid-soluble protein (TCA-SP) all were increased in PCGM-BCL (p < 0.05), while the pH was reduced to 4.38 ± 0.02. In addition, compared with PCGM-BL, the cellulose degradation rate increased from 5.02 to 50.74%, increasing the amounts of short-chain fatty acids (216.61 ± 2.74 to 1727.55 ± 23.00 µg/g) and total amino acids (18.60 to 21.02%) in PCGM-BCL. Furthermore, high-throughput sequencing analysis revealed significant dynamic changes in microbial diversity. In the first stage of PCGM-BCL fermentation, Bacillus was the dominant genus (99.87%), which after 24 h of anaerobic fermentation changed to lactobacillus (37.45%). Kyoto Encylopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathway analysis revealed that the pathways related to the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, cofactors, and vitamins accounted for more than 10% of the enriched pathways throughout the fermentation period. Concisely, we show that cellulase can effectively improve the nutritional value of PCGM when synergized with B. velezensis in two-stage SSF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect larval frass has been proposed as a fertilizer and amendment, but methods for testing its effects on plants are poorly developed and need standardization. We obtained different types of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) frass via the factorial combination of (a) two insect diets, as follows: G (Gainesville = 50% wheat bran, 30% alfalfa meal, 20% maize meal) and W (43% sheep whey + 57% seeds); (b) two frass thermal treatments: NT = untreated and T = treated at 70 °C for 1 h. We tested the effects on the germination of cress (Lepidium sativum L.) and wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) by applying 1:2 w:w water extracts at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% concentration. Standardizing frass water content before extraction affected chemical composition. Frass extracts showed high electrical conductivity (8.88 to 13.78 mS cm−1). The W diet was suppressive towards Escherichia coli and showed a lower content of nitrates (e.g., WNT 40% lower than GNT) and a concentration-dependent phytotoxic effect on germinating plants. At 25% concentration, germination indices of G were 4.5 to 40-fold those at 100%. Root and shoot length and root hair area were affected by diet and concentration of frass extracts (e.g., root and shoot length in cress at 25% were, respectively, 4.53 and 2 times higher than at 100%), whereas the effects of the thermal treatment were few or inconclusive. On barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grown in micropots on a silty loam soil, root mass was reduced by 37% at high extract concentration. A quick procedure for root hair surface area was developed based on the geographic information system (GIS) and may provide a fast method for incorporating root hair phenotyping in frass evaluation. The results indicate that below-ground structures need to be addressed in research on frass effects. For this, phyotoxicity tests should encompass different extract dilutions, and frass water content should be standardized before extraction in the direction of canonical procedures to allow comparisons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize is a staple food for most South Africans, yet maize meal (corn flour) does not provide enough sustenance, contributing to food insecurity and malnutrition. Improving the nutrient content of maize and maize-based products could benefit communities where maize is the staple food. This study aimed to determine the relationship and frequency of consuming maize products, side dishes and snacks preferred by consumers of different provinces of origin and language speakers. One hundred respondents participated in a survey after tasting nixtamalized maize products in a sensory laboratory. The results showed that Pap in the forms of soft (58%), stiff (73%), phutu [crumbly] (68%), or porridge (55%) was regularly or frequently included in meals. Pap was eaten daily by 11.2% for breakfast, 17.2% for lunch and 23.2% of respondents for supper. Soft (36.1%), stiff (56.6%) and phutu (43.0%) were preferred for supper, while porridge (73.7%) was preferred for breakfast. Braaied meat (40.2%) and meat stew or soup (40.0%) were enjoyed as side dishes. The language that participants spoke influenced the food items or side dishes more than the province of origin. The study showed the maize consumption habits of South African consumers to inform future product development or nutrition intervention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A study was conducted to determine the chemical composition of barley and co-products from barley, corn, and wheat produced in South-East Asia or Australia, and to test the hypothesis that production area or production methods can impact the chemical composition of wheat co-products. Methods: Samples included seven barley grains, two malt barley rootlets, one corn gluten feed, one corn gluten meal, one corn bran, eight wheat brans, one wheat mill mix, and four wheat pollards. All samples were analyzed for dry matter, gross energy, nitrogen, amino acids (AA), acid hydrolyzed ether extract, ash, minerals, starch, and insoluble dietary fiber and soluble dietary fiber. Malt barley rootlets and wheat co-products were also analyzed for sugars. Results: Chemical composition of barley, malt barley rootlets, and corn co-products were in general similar across countries. Wheat pollard had greater (p<0.05) concentrations of tryptophan, magnesium, and potassium compared with wheat bran, whereas wheat bran had greater (p<0.05) concentration of copper than wheat pollard. There were no differences in chemical composition between wheat bran produced in Australia and wheat bran produced in Thailand. Conclusion: Intact barley contains more starch, but fewer AA, than grain co-products. There were only few differences in the composition of wheat bran and wheat pollard, indicating that the two ingredients are similar, but with different names. However, corn gluten meal contains more protein and less fiber than corn bran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of three oil sources with the inclusion of three levels on some performance variables, carcass quality, and broiler organs. The sources used were palm oil (Elaeis guineensis), chicken oil, and Sacha inchi oil (Plukentia volubilis). A total of 324 female Ross 308 line were assigned in a completely random design to nine treatments with six repetitions of six birds per repetition, which were fed with a diet based on corn and soybean meal containing 3, 6, and 9% inclusion of each one of the oil sources for the periods between 8 to 21 days of age and 22 to 42 days of age. Live weight and feed consumption data were recorded weekly to calculate the feed conversion ratio, considering mortality. On day 42, one female broiler from each repetition was randomly selected, weighed, and sacrificed, to obtain upgraded data characteristics from the carcass. The results suggest that there was no significant difference in animal response variables or channel quality. Regarding the carcass variables and some poultry organs, the only one affected by the source was the deposition of abdominal fat. Sacha inchi oil produced carcasses with a lower average of abdominal fat in relation to weight and slaughter, with no differences between palm and chicken oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The extruded products in Cuba are produced from corn meal, a raw material obtained from imported corn grain. Extrusion technology allows the production of products from flour mixtures. Objective: To determine the adequate proportion of the corn and rice flour mixture and the extruder operating temperature. Materials and Methods: A granulometric analysis of both flours was made. Mixtures of corn flour (M) and rice four (A) were prepared. An industrial extruder with a capacity of 200 kg/h and a nozzle diameter of 4 mm was used. The experimental variables were M/A ratio (90 M/10 A, 75 M/25 A y 60 M/40 A) and temperature (190 y 210 °C). The investigated variables were expansion and humidity as well as those corresponding to the sensorial evaluation. Results and Discussion: Rice flour shows a finer granulometry than corn flour; this may limit its level of addition to the mixture. The investigated variables were found to be independent of temperature, but dependent on the proportion of the flours. From the desirability function, the best result was obtained for 60 M/40 A and 190 ºC. Conclusions: Corn and rice flours have similar starch content. The level of rice flour addition is determined by the incorporation of smaller particle sizes into the mixture. The overall sensory quality, according to the desirability function, was 7.4, equivalent to good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Various infectious agents can infect the male reproductive system. Objectives: The aims of this study were to provide current data on fungal and yeast flora of the external organs of reproductive system of male short hair cats including penis and prepuce. Methods: In total 28 samples were taken from external genital system of male stray cats using sterilised cotton swabs. Samples were taken based on the absence of any reproductive complications using physical examinations. The samples were transferred to sterilised Stuart transport media and were then incubated in the Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol at 32°C for 48 h. The identification of fungi and yeasts was confirmed by germ tube formation test, CHROM agar, urease testing and Corn meal agar medium with Tween 80. Results: Fungal agents were isolated from 7 (25%) out of 28 male stray cats. Fungal isolates were obtained from the penis and prepuce of 4 (36%) and 7 (100%) male cats, respectively. The most commonly recovered species samples were Candida krusei (3.75%) and Penicillum spp. (6.86%) from the penis and prepuce of the cats, respectively. The external organs of male reproduction of cats were infected with 2–4 different fungal agents. Only 5 (45%) cats were infected with one fungus; however, in 6 (55%) cats, mixed fungal infections were isolated. Cats 3–4 years old had the highest fungal contamination in the prepuce region (4/7), while the penis at this age had the least contamination (1/4). Conclusions: It is concluded that the external reproduction organs of male cats could be infected by different fungal agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal (MOLM) has the potential as a protein source that might replace soybean meal. In Indonesia, soybean meal is an imported commodity whose price is high. This study aimed to analyze the use of MOLM to substitute soybean meal in complete ration on the consumption of nutrients, digested nutrients, digestibility nutrients, N balance, hematology, and ADG of Javanese Thin-Tailed Ewes (JTTE). Fifteen JTTE 2-3 years old were divided into three different levels of MOLM treatment with 5 replications. The complete ration consists of 60% concentrate and 40% Dried Ipomea Aquatica Straw (DIAS) as a source of fiber. The concentrates used are soybean meal, corn meal, pollard, copra meal, and MOLM. The composition of the treatment rations: (T1) 0% MOLM + 60% concentrate + 40% DIAS, (T2) 10% MOLM + 50% concentrate + 40% DIAS. (T3) 20% MOLM + 40% concentrate + 40% DIAS. Treatment feed was given for 2 months as much as 4% of body weight/day, and drinking water was given ad libitum. The collected data included feed consumption, feed refusal, blood, faeces, urine, and body weight. The results showed that sheep received 10% MOLM levels of increase (P<0.05) DM, OM, CF, ETN, and TDN consumption compared to controls. However, the levels of 20% decrease (P<0.05) DM, OM, CF, ETN, and TDN consumption compared to controls. Compared to controls, the 10% MOLM increase (P<0.05) digested nutrients DM, OM, ETN, and TDN. Compared to controls, the level of 10% MOLM increase (P<0.05) ETN, and TDN digestibility coefficient. Sheep that received a 10% MOLM increase (P>0.05) balance N and nitrogen retention compared to control. The 10% MOLM level increase (P<0.05) ADG compared to the 20% level and control (120 vs. 106 vs. 112 g/head/day). Sheep treated with 10% MOLM increased (P<0.05) white blood cells (WBC) than controls and those treated with 20% MOLM (10.5 vs. 6.40 vs. 7.20). It could be concluded that the level of 10% MOLM (20% soybean meal substitution) in a complete ration based on Dried Ipomea Aquatica Straw (DIAS) has a better effect on nutrient consumption, digested nutrients, retention N, hematology and ADG of JTTE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out to determine beta-carotene retention and acceptability of selected products made from two provitamin-A maize varieties grown in Malawi, namely, MH43A and MH44A. Beta-carotene retention in the provitamin-A maize products was determined by using a "completely randomised block design" (CRBD) whereby the maize varieties (replicates) were treated as fixed blocks, and similar treatments (analytical tests) were applied in each block. Acceptability of the provitamin-A maize products was determined in 6 to 23-month-old children and their caregivers using a cross-sectional design. Results showed that in three maize products, namely, porridge, maize meal, and fermented maize beverage, there was an increase in beta-carotene, with apparent retentions of 111.13%, 170.27%, and 138.22% for MH43A and 156.50%, 207.13%, and 126.17% for MH44A varieties, respectively. Results on pregerminated maize flour produced from MH43A and MH44A maize varieties showed lower beta-carotene apparent retention values of 63.3% and 84.7%, respectively. Results on acceptability showed that most of the caregivers (47.1%) preferred porridge prepared from MH43A flour compared to porridge prepared from MH44A (30.6%) and the control variety (MH26-white maize) (22.4%). For roasted maize, roasted white maize grains (49.6%) were more preferred compared to the two provitamin-A varieties. Results on acceptability with respect to children showed that most children (63.5% and 53.7%) who tested MH43A and MH44A porridge, respectively, consumed all the porridge. Results from this study have shown that there is a high acceptability of provitamin-A maize porridges amongst children prepared from MH43A (55.5%) and MH44A (51.9%) maize varieties. The study therefore recommends that provitamin-A maize varieties should be promoted through appropriate preparation methods that ensure high beta-carotene retention to address vitamin-A deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Amazon has a wide variety of oilseeds that generate a huge amount of co-products with potential for use in animal nutrition. The objective was to use alternative resources (oilseed cakes) in the feeding of lambs to assign a sustainable destination to this biomass, and evaluate its influence on the quality and fatty acid (FA) profile of the meat. Twenty-four lambs, male, castrated, crossbred Dorper × Santa Inês, weighing 30 ± 1.3 kg of initial body weight, were distributed in a completely randomized design in 4 treatments (diets) with six replications (animals). The control diet (Control) contained corn and soybean meal as main ingredients, which were partially replaced in the other diets by cupuassu cake diet (Cup), palm kernel cake diet (Palm) and tucuma cake diet (Tuc). The inclusion of Amazon cakes influences the lipid (P = 0.02) and protein (P < 0.01) composition of meat (longissimus lumborum); reduces cooking losses (P < 0.01); influences the colors (L, a, b), chroma, and Hue Angle (P < 0.01); promotes changes in total FA composition and FA profile (P < 0.05); reduces hypocholesterolemic FA (h) (P = 0.01), but does not influence hypercholesterolemic (H) and indices h:H, AI and TI (P > 0.05). The inclusion of oilseed cakes influences the chemical composition, physical parameters, composition and fatty acid profile of the meat, but does not influence the indicators of atherogenicity, thrombogenicity and cholesterolemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study explored the effects of substituting maize gluten meal with increasing levels of partially defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) in Muscovy ducks' diets on their caecal microbiota and organic volatile compounds. The ducks were divided into four groups, each receiving a diet containing 0%, 3%, 6%, or 9% BSFLM (HI0, HI3, HI6, and HI9, respectively). At slaughter (50 days of age), caecal samples were collected and analysed. The alpha diversity indexes were lower in the HI9 than in the HI0 and HI3 treatments that did not differ between them. Bacteroidetes in the HI0 and Firmicutes in the HI6 treatment showed a higher abundance than in the HI9 treatment. Faecalibacterium and Megamonas were more abundant in the HI6 than in the HI9 treatment. Abundance of Clostridium and unclassified Coriobacteriaceae were higher and lower, respectively, in the HI9 than in the HI0 treatment. Canonical discriminant analysis revealed that Faecalibacterium, unclassified Victivallaceae and Megamonas in relation to Ruminococcus would separate the HI6 and HI9 treatments, while unclassified Coriobacteriaceae in relation to Streptococcus and Faecalibacterium would distinguish the HI0 and HI3 from the HI6 and HI9 treatments. Eleven volatile compounds were more abundant HI9 than in the HI6 treatment. Five of them were negatively correlated with Faecalibacterium and two with Megamonas. These findings indicate that diets with 6% and 9% BSFLM alter the caecal microbiota in Muscovy ducks, while a diet with 3% BSFLM has no effect. The distinct abundance of several volatile compounds in the 6% and 9% BSFLM treatments suggests a relationship between their characteristic microbiota profile and those compounds that warrants further investigation. 3% black soldier fly larvae meal in duck feed does not affect caecal microbiota profile. Diets with 6% and 9% black soldier fly larvae meal trigger distinct caecal microbiota and volatile compound shifts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is considered a common gynecological problem among females of reproductive age group. 70–75% of women report having had candidal vulvovaginitis at some point in their lifetimes and 40–50% suffer recurrent candidal vulvovaginitis. Objectives: This study aims to identify the Candida species involved in VVC and to determine their antifungal susceptibility pattern. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted on 257 females (18–55 yr) with complaints of abnormal vaginal discharge. For detection of Candida, the swab samples were subjected to Gram stain, 10% KOH mount, and culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). Candida species identification was done by subculturing Candida isolates onto CHROMagar, corn meal agar (Himedia), and further confirmation was done by MALDI-TOF MS. Antifungal testing was done using the disk diffusion method. Results: A total of 257 females with complaints of abnormal discharge were enrolled in this study. Out of 257, C. albicans 37 (58.7%) and 26 (41.3%) isolates were identified as non-albicans Candida. Out of 63 positive cases, a maximum number of study subject belongs to the age group 26–35 years (50.8%). Along with vaginal discharge, itching (65.37%) is the most common complaint. VVC was found to be most predominant in patients with prolonged antibiotic therapy (38.1%), and in pregnant females (15.9%). Conclusion: Understanding the emerging fungal pathogens and their drug susceptibility patterns is essential for the effective management of infections. Drug resistance can lead to treatment failure and highlights the need for alternative treatment options or strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China faces a persistent deficiency in feed protein resources. Enhancing the utilization efficiency of indigenous feed protein resources emerges as a viable strategy to alleviate the current deficit in protein feed supply. Corn gluten meal (CGM), characterized by a high proportion of crude protein and glutamine, is predominantly employed in animal feed. Nonetheless, the water-insolubility of CGM protein hampers its protein bioavailability when utilized as feed material. The aim of this study was to augment protein bioavailability, liberate glutamine peptides from CGM, and produce glutamine-enriched CGM fermented feed. We executed a co-fermentation protocol using Bacillus subtilis A5, Lactobacillus 02002, and acid protease to generate the CGM fermented feed. Subsequent in vivo experiments with broilers were conducted to assess the efficacy of the fermented product. The findings revealed that the soluble protein, glutamine, small peptides, and lactic acid contents in the fermented feed increased by 69.1%, 700%, 47.6%, and 125.9%, respectively. Incorporating 15% and 30% CGM fermented feed into the diet markedly enhanced the growth performance and intestinal health of broilers, positively modulated the cecal microbiota structure, and augmented the population of beneficial bacteria, specifically Lactobacillus. These results furnish both experimental and theoretical foundations for deploying CGM fermented feed as an alternative protein feed resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the portrayal of ordinary food in two fictional works, "Poison" and "Future Home of the Living God." The authors use food to explore the connection between the everyday and the apocalyptic, shedding light on the negative impacts of the global food system. The narratives challenge white-centric apocalyptic imaginaries and expose the violence inherent in settler petro-food regimes. The article also delves into the concepts of food sovereignty and the global food regime, emphasizing the need for political, economic, and environmental justice in food systems. Additionally, the text examines the themes of ordinary food and its role in the face of environmental crisis in the two novels. It highlights how indulging in unhealthy food prevents characters from taking action and escaping toxic events. The novels also explore the deceptive allure of industrial foods and the necessity of confronting damaging consumption patterns. Furthermore, the article explores the themes of food and colonialism in "Future Home of the Living God." It discusses how the exploitation of Native imagery in marketing perpetuates exoticism and colonialist-patriarchal exploitation. The novel also contrasts individualistic alternatives to industrial food with community-based foodways and Ojibwe food sovereignty. Ultimately, the text emphasizes the importance of reconfiguring relationships with food and reclaiming power from the settler petro-food regime to create more just and resilient social structures. [Extracted from the article]